The State Department applied pressure on Israel today to allow an investigation of its treatment of Arab security prisoners in the wake of new allegations that they were subjected to torture. “We believe it will help lay the charges to rest if there were an investigation by an impartial international body,” State Department spokesman Kenneth Brown said.
Previously the State Department had suggested that a group such as the International Red Cross look into the matter. Brown said that the issue has been discussed with the Israelis. It was indicated that the matter will be raised with Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan when he visits Washington next week.
Referring apparently to Premier Menachem Begin’s assurances to President Carter that Arab prisoners were not tortured in Israeli jails, Brown said “We take seriously” Israel’s statements that the charges are “indeed without foundation. “The State Department said Tuesday that the U.S. had expressed concern” at the highest level” over the charges which an aide to Begin, Yehiel Kadishai, characterized as “vicious slander.”
There will be no News Bulletins dated Sept. 22 and 23 due to Yom Kippur.
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